Inmarsat is proud to announce its sponsorship of the 2015 International Seafarers’ Welfare Awards, which recognise excellence in the provision of welfare services and facilities for seafarers.
Many of these services can provide a lifeline to seafarers when working away from home for long periods of time, and the awards showcase good practice in the industry and highlight the commitment and dedication shown by many.
Now in the fifth year, the event is organised by the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), a charitable organisation that promotes seafarer welfare and provides a 24-hour, multi-lingual helpline.
“It is our pleasure to sponsor these awards and continue to support those who make such a difference to improving the quality of life for crew at sea,” said Guy Sear, Inmarsat Maritime VP of Safety and Regulatory Services.
“Inmarsat has always been at the forefront of seafarer safety and welfare and now more than ever, crew welfare and access to reliable communications is no longer a choice but a necessity to keep in touch with families ashore.”
Nominations for the awards are made by seafarers and judged by a prestigious panel from the shipping industry.
Award categories this year include Shipping Company of the Year, Seafarer Centre of the Year, Port of the Year, and the Dr Dierk Lindermann Welfare Personality of the Year.
Winners will be presented with their prizes by Koji Sekimizu, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), during a high profile event at the IMO in London on 9 June.
Roger Harris, Executive Director of ISWAN said: “We are delighted to have Inmarsat as one of the main sponsors of the awards. Communications at sea and in port are the number one welfare concern of seafarers around the world.”
